STOWERS,
FREDDIE Corporal Stowers, a native of
Anderson County, South Carolina, distinguished himself by exceptional
heroism on 28 September 1918, while serving as a squad leader in
Company C, 371st Infantry Regiment, 93rd Infantry Division. His
company was the lead company during the attack on Hill 188, Champagne
Marne Sector, France, during World War I. A few minutes after the
attack began, the enemy ceased firing and began climbing up onto
the parapets of the trenches, holding up their arms as if wishing
to surrender. The enemy's actions caused the American forces to
cease fire and to come out into the open.

As the company started forward
and when within about 100 meters of the trench line, the enemy jumped
back into their trenches and greeted Corporal Stowers' company with
interlocking bands of machine gun fire and mortar fire causing well
over fifty percent casualties. Faced with incredible enemy resistance,
Corporal Stowers took charge, setting such a courageous example
of personal bravery and leadership that he inspired his men to follow
him in the attack.

With extraordinary heroism
and complete disregard of personal danger under devastating fire,
he crawled forward leading his squad toward an enemy machine gun
nest, which was causing heavy casualties to his company. After fierce
fighting, the machine gun position was destroyed and the enemy soldiers
were killed.

Displaying great courage
and intrepidity, Corporal Stowers continued to press the attack
against a determined enemy. While crawling forward and urging his
men to continue the attack on a second trench line, he was gravely
wounded by machine gun fire. Although,
Corporal Stowers was mortally wounded, he pressed forward, urging
on the members of his squad, until he died.

Inspired by the heroism and
display of bravery of Corporal Stowers, his company continued the
attack against incredible odds, contributing to the capture of Hill
188 and causing heavy enemy casualties. Corporal Stowers' conspicuous
gallantry, extraordinary heroism and supreme devotion to his men
were well above and beyond the call of duty, follow the finest traditions
of military service and reflect the utmost credit on him and the
United States Army. (The Medal of Honor was presented to Stowers'
surviving sisters during ceremonies at the White House on April
24, 1991.)